Abbott's skintight swimwear added to his colourful image

Born in London to Australian parents, Tony Abbott went to Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar -- former Australian prime minister Bob Hawke and former American president Bill Clinton were also Rhodes Scholars.

Tony gained the nickname 'Mad Monk' for having joined a Catholic seminary to become a priest, but later left the priesthood.

Which is just as well.

In the past, he has made the headlines Down Under for politically incorrect outbursts in public -- reportedly calling then prime minister Kevin Rudd -- who Julia Gillard ousted in an overnight coup some months ago -- a 'toxic bore' and swearing in public.

His skintight swimwear has added to his colourful personality but he ceremonially burnt his Speedos for radio last year.

His campaign for prime minister has seen Tony abandon his maverick image, presenting himself as very controlled and disciplined. It seems to have caught the Aussie imagination.